Motorola Gets Sporty With New Moto 360 Models

Michael Moore joined TechWeek Europe in January 2014 as a trainee before graduating to Reporter later that year. He covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to mobile devices, wearable tech, the Internet of Things, and financial technology.

Updated

First released in September 2014, the original Moto 360 won a lot of fans for its elegant design as one of the first properly round-face wearable devices, as well as its tight integration with Android.

The company has now looked to target individual markets with its latest device, revealing case designs with lugs specifically tailored for men and women, polished bezels in a range of new styles, and the ability to quickly swap between leather and metal bands in a matter of seconds thanks to new quick-release bands.

Inside, the new Moto 360 (pictured above) benefits from tight integration with Android Wear, meaning it will get to enjoy a huge number of specifically-designed wearable apps, and sync up with a user’s Android smartphone to display notifications on their wrist. The device is also Wi-Fi enabled, meaning it will be able to stay connected even if out of Bluetooth range.

There’s also a hugely improved battery life, which doubles that of the original device to now last up to two days without the need for recharging, and

The Moto 360 will be available the UK from later this month, with prices starting at £229 but varying depending on design and range, and you’ll also be able to use Motorola’s Moto Maker tool to customise your device however you want it.

Sporty

Targeted at fitness fans, the Moto 360 Sport (pictured right) looks to do away with the need to carry a phone with you when you exercise to get the most out of activity tracking. Featuring a built-in GPS and heart sensor, the device also lets you store and play music directly from it, and has a battery life of up to two full days without the need to charge.

With a strong silicone build featuring a special UV coating that moves moisture away from the device, the Moto 360 Sport comes with a new AnyLight hybrid display that lets you see the screen clearly, even in direct sunlight.

However it isn’t fully waterproof, coming with IP67 dust and water resistant rating, meaning it shouldn’t be used for activities such as swimming or diving, which is a shame.

There’s no news on a release date yet, but it should arrive later this year and cost around £200.